Xilxes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Xilxes/Chilches
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community |  Valencian Community |
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| Province |  Castellón |
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| Comarca | Plana Baixa | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 13.6 km2 (5.3 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 7 m (23 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 2,670 | ||
| • Density | 196.3/km2 (508.5/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
12592
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| Website | http://www.xilxes.es | ||
Xilxes (Valencian) or Chilches (Spanish) is a town in Spain. It is located in the province of Castellón. This province is part of the Valencian Community.
Contents
Discover Xilxes: Location and Climate
Xilxes is a town found between the sea and mountains. It sits in a flat area called La Plana. The town enjoys a warm climate. This weather is typical of the Mediterranean coast.
Getting to Xilxes
You can reach Xilxes in a few ways. If you are coming from Castellón de la Plana, take the CV-10 road. Then, exit at number 287. From Valencia, also take exit 287. After that, continue on the CV-23 road. You can also travel to Xilxes by train. The Cercanías Castellón-Valencia line of Renfe stops here.
Neighboring Towns
Xilxes is surrounded by several other towns and the sea.
| North: La Vall d'Uixó, Moncofa | ||
| West: La Vall d'Uixó | Chilches | East: Mediterranean Sea |
| South: La Llosa |
Xilxes Beach Neighborhood
Xilxes has a special area right by the sea. This is the Beach of Xilxes/Chilches. It is about 3.5 kilometers from the main town center. A wide, straight road makes it easy to get there. The beach area has two main sandy beaches. They are called El Cerezo and Les Cases.
A Look at Xilxes History
The history of Xilxes goes back to the Roman Age. The town was founded in 201 BC. A bronze statue of Mercury was found here. This shows that the Roman road, the Via Augusta, passed through Xilxes. After the Roman Empire fell, and during the Muslim invasions, Xilxes became a mix of Roman and Muslim cultures. It was made up of four small farmhouses.
Important Events in Xilxes
In 1238, King Jaime I conquered the village. He sold Xilxes a year later. It was sold to Jaime Pérez de Daroca. Later, it returned to the Crown. King Jaime I then sold it again. This time, it went to Frances de Próxita. This sale included other places that formed the Baronía de Almenara. In 1256, rebel Moorish people from Sierra Espadán attacked Xilxes. They looted and burned the town.
Xilxes was declared a "royal villa" in 1297. This meant it had special rights from the king. It also became the Barony of Chilches in 1306. In 1583, Berber pirates attacked the coast. They caused a lot of damage to the town. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) also badly damaged Xilxes. The town had to be rebuilt after the war. It then grew into a modern urban area.
Xilxes Economy: From Farms to Tourism
Xilxes traditionally relied on farming. Farmers grew oranges, melons, tomatoes, and rice. Today, Xilxes is also growing in tourism. Its beaches are now very popular. They are among the most visited in the Castellón province. The ceramic tiles industry is also an important part of the town's economy.
Famous Buildings and Landmarks
Xilxes has several interesting historical sites.
- Church Asunción de Nuestra Señora: This church is dedicated to the Assumption of Saint Mary. It has a neoclassic style. The church building started in the late 1600s. It has been renovated many times over the years. Inside, there are chapels for different saints. These include Sant Vicent and Vírgen de los Dolores. The church also has a beautiful altarpiece. It was built after the Spanish Civil War.
- Medieval Cemetery: Behind the church, an old Christian cemetery was found in 2007. The items found there date from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
- La Font de la Unió: This fountain is in the main square, Plaza España. It is located underground. It was the first fountain in the town with good drinking water. This was in 1916. Local citizens rebuilt it in 1986.
Fun Places to Visit
Xilxes offers several interesting spots for visitors.
- Sea Promenade: This walkway is 1500 meters long. It is perfect for walking. It has both paved areas and gardens. A sea viewpoint is in the middle of the beach neighborhood. It extends about 100 meters into the sea.
- Playa de El Cerezo: This beach is 820 meters long. It has a Blue Flag award. This means it is very clean and safe. It is also known as one of Spain's most accessible beaches. People with reduced mobility can easily use it.
- Playa de Les Cases: This beach is 532 meters long. It also has a Blue Flag award.
- La Marjal: East of the town, near the beach, is a wetland. This area is very important for nature. It has a high environmental value.
- Ermita del Santísimo Cristo de la Junquera: This small church is about 1 kilometer from the town. It was built where two brothers, the Margalló brothers, found an image of Christ. This happened on January 18, 1625. The image was found on the shore of a bulrush. This Christ is now the patron saint of Xilxes. You can reach the church by following Camí Els Horts and Camí l'Ermita.
Xilxes Festivities
Xilxes celebrates several lively festivals throughout the year. "Bous al carrer"
- Sant Vicent Ferrer: These popular festivities usually start the week after Easter. They include many activities. There are bous al carrer (running of the bulls), concerts, and religious events. People also enjoy popular games, dinners, and theater shows. Fireworks light up the sky.
- Sant Roc: These popular festivities are held in the beach district. They usually begin on the Saturday before August 15.
- Main Festivities: These honor the Holy Christ of La Junquera. They are celebrated around mid-September. These festivities offer many popular and religious activities. They include bous al carrer, concerts, and local theater. There are also popular games, dinners, and fireworks.
Delicious Food of Xilxes
The food in Xilxes is typical of the Valencian Community.
Some popular dishes include:
- Valencian Paella
- Fideuà (a noodle dish similar to paella)
- Seafood Rice
- Arròs amb fesols i naps (rice with beans and turnips)
- Coca de tomata (a type of flatbread with tomato)
- Barret de verdura (vegetable pie)
- Rotllets d'anís (anise rolls)
- Rosquilletes (savory crackers)
- Pilotes de frare (sweet fried dough balls)
Images for kids
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Flag of Xilxes
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Shield of Xilxes
See also
In Spanish: Chilches para niños
